U.S. president-elect Donald Trump offered to help solve Pakistan's problems and praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a "terrific guy" in the first call between the two men.

Historical allies in the region, Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over U.S. accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants.

Sharif's office said late the Pakistani premier called Trump to congratulate him on his victory and issued a read out of the call. Trump's team confirmed the two men talked and issued a brief statement.

The prime minister's office did not elaborate on the kind of problems Trump offered to solve. The statement also did not clarify why exactly Trump was impressed with Sharif.